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New Concept for Exhaust Decouplers and Turbo Flex Joints: LINKEO™ System 2006-01-3524

When designing an exhaust pipe with a flexible exhaust decoupler, the design engineer may want to use the device to decouple motion of the powertrain from the exhaust system. Today, durability schedules and the limits of existing metallic components keep current market flexible decouplers' stiffnesses high. A new elastomer-based flex decoupler (LINKEO™) has the ability to keep stiffness low in order to minimize the transmission of engine motion to the exhaust system. This design improves the durability of the system, minimizes the required package space and improves NVH behaviour reducing accelerations transmitted to the vehicle architecture.

As well as a soft flex joint, the LINKEO™ system also provides substantial thermal benefits as an insulated decoupler. It could favourably effect and improve after-treatment components efficiency, and in turn facilitate the use of exhaust systems to help increase fuel efficiency and reduce emission standards.

Moreover, it can be used as a soft decoupler on the air inlet circuit between the turbocharger and the intercooler. The main advantage is the ability to resist higher internal temperatures (up to 450°C) than a standard silicon hose limited to 220°C and thus, improves Turbo efficiency.